Spencer Stuart Assists National Auto Auction Association in Recruitment of CEO
July 28, 2021 – Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Tricia Heon as the first woman chief executive officer of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA). She replaces Frank Hackett, who is retiring from the position after 17 years. “This marks a milestone for NAAA and for the growing number of women who have chosen to build careers in our traditionally male industry,” said Laura Taylor, board chairperson and past president of NAAA. “Tricia has been a valued part of this organization for 10 years. She will bring that experience and knowledge with a fresh perspective and new ideas to her CEO role.”
“We’re thrilled and could not be happier with the choice,” Julie Picard, president of NAA. “Tricia’s strong organizational and communication skills, along with her outstanding professionalism, industry awareness and dedication, has demonstrated she is up to that task.”
NAAA president-elect Charles Nichols, said: “After reviewing a long list of qualified candidates, we are certain we chose the person who is the right leader for the future of the association. Tricia’s commitment to the industry and vision stood out among all.”
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Ms. Heon has been with NAAA since 2011, when she joined as legislative director and operations manager. She became chief operating officer in 2019. Ms. Heon led the creation of NAAA’s political action committee and its annual Day On The Hill in Washington, D.C. She has also headed up NAAA’s efforts to monitor federal and state regulations and helped developed such initiatives as a study to address technician shortages and a report on the industry’s future. Ms. Heon has also been involved in planning NAAA meetings, programs and conventions. Prior to her time with NAAA, she was a local government budget analyst and a consultant regarding the impact of the federal budget.
NAAA said that Ms. Heon aims to evaluate and bolster the group’s benefits and services, expand the advocacy program and help NAAA benefit from “digital transformation the industry underwent during the pandemic by applying those lessons to chart the course for tomorrow’s wholesale auto auctions.”
“I want to continue building on the accomplishments and advancements we’ve made under Frank’s tenure while collaborating with other industry leaders to find new ways of enhancing NAAA’s ongoing mission to protect, promote, and progress the interests of our members and the remarketing community,” Ms. Heon said. “I’m extremely proud of the team at NAAA. They’re a small band of dedicated individuals who do the work of staff twice its size to provide the membership daily with the best service possible. I know that with their support, we can take what we do for our members and the industry to the next level. And it will be an honor to lead such a team.”
The National Auto Auction Association represents more than 340 auto auction members both domestic and international. The organization was established in 1948. Its stated mission is to serve as a strong, unified voice to protect and promote the interests of its members and the wholesale auto auction industry.
Privately held since 1956, Spencer Stuart focuses on delivering knowledge, insight, and results through the collaborative efforts of a team of search professionals — now spanning 56 offices, 30 countries and more than 50 practice specialties. The firm helps boards and leaders address their leadership needs in areas such as senior-level executive search, board recruitment, board effectiveness, succession planning, in-depth senior management assessment and many other facets of organizational effectiveness.
Automotive Sector Specialist
In the world of mobility, organizations that develop and produce automotive vehicles, components and related technologies that move people, goods and materials face unprecedented competition from established players and new entrants. “Accelerating electrification of vehicles, autonomous vehicle innovation and entirely new value propositions centered on connectivity require organizations to rethink their approach to leadership and culture,” said Spencer Stuart. “The courage and vision to innovate, collaborate and put customers first will be critical.”
Spencer Stuart works across the sectors and services of the mobility spectrum, including automobile, trucking, train, and shipping.
Related: Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for AutoNation
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
